Former IRFU president Roy Loughead has died at the age of 72 following a short illness. A lifelong member of Bangor Rugby Club, he was a redoubtable prop in his playing days, although positively svelte compared to today's frontrow behemoths.

He was handed the captaincy of the then junior Bangor, whom he cajoled and directed to Provincial Towns Cup success in the early 1960s, and along with the late Ronnie Boston and Con McCall, he was a guiding light as the seaside-town club moved into the senior ranks in 1969.

They quickly made their mark after joining the elite with their famous midweek Bass Boston Floodlit tournament and then winning the first of six Ulster League titles in 1975. They would record a hat-trick of wins between 1981 and 1983.

Loughead had been educated at Bangor Grammar before becoming a teacher and for many years was principal of Sullivan Upper Preparatory Department in Holywood. It was a natural progression that he would become involved in schools rugby, pretty much in every capacity.

On hanging up his boots, Loughead embraced rugby administration, where his integrity and diplomacy won many friends. His relentless good cheer and warmth were noteworthy. While his playing days may have ended Loughead espoused the same work ethic off the pitch, becoming a respected rugby administrator in the schools system. He was an Irish Schools selector and also managed numerous touring teams. It was a branch of the sport with which he had a particular affinity.

He was elected president of the Ulster Branch, his year of office taking in the 1981/1982 season and served as IRFU president for 2001/2002, the first to have received that honour from the Bangor club. He is survived by his wife, Joan, daughters, Mandy and Jane, and son, Jonathan.

The committee and staff of the IRFU offer their condolences to his family and friends and he will be sadly missed by a wide circle of the rugby community.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis. ...

JOS